LOS ANGELES (February 14, 2006) — Square Enix, Inc., the publisher of Square Enix™ interactive entertainment products in North America, announced today that GRANDIA® III has shipped to retailers nationwide. Exclusively for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, GRANDIA III follows the growth of an aspiring pilot, Yuki and the unexpected adventure that awaits him. GRANDIA III draws gamers into a wondrous world with an innovative battle system and uplifting story about the freedom in controlling one's own destiny. The developers have taken special care to accentuate this feel, not only throughout the game's story, but also in the game's music and the openness that is felt while navigating the world map by plane.

The developer's efforts to weave an inspirational coming of age story with an intuitive battle system, that can be played as simply or complex as the player wants to, has been observed by industry critics:

"Whether you're traipsing through the game's puzzle-packed dungeons or pulling off sweet aerial combos in the engrossing battles, the production values remain top-notch."
- Electronic Gaming Monthly, March 2006 issue

"Story-intensive and breathtaking, this finely polished RPG makes you feel right at home with a plot that unfolds with the clarity and intrigue of a great novel."
- Game Informer Magazine, March 2006 issue

"The combat system is so interesting that I didn't mind leveling a lot, simply because that meant I was fighting a lot."
- Official PlayStation Magazine, March 2006 issue

Yuki has idolized the legendary pilot Schmidt since he was a young boy and has been trying to build his own ever since. Loving the freedom of flight, he dreams of one day leaving his small island and reaching the mainland.

In the woods not far away, Alfina rides alone on a horse-drawn carriage. She is a Communicator, one of the few who can speak with the Guardians, gods that protect the world. She is hurrying to a temple to take the place of her brother, Emelious. Resentment of his obligated duty as a Communicator has turned Emelious into a cruel and violent being filled with hate.

Fate will bring together Yuki and Alfina just as the world is about to fall apart.

FEATURES

Romp through vibrant and colorful fantasy locales and natural environments

Stunning cinematic sequences are animated by hand without the use of motion capture

Scan surroundings to look for search points or treasure chests

Ply the skies by plane to journey from one place to another

Use your sword in the "random encounter free" field to destroy objects or stun enemies before attacking

Seamless transition from field screen to battles with over-the-top animations

Semi real-time battle system allows for fast paced action and strategizing with a Command Wheel breaks the RPG mold of typical command text windows

Perform and link up Aerial Combo attacks for massive damage

Multiple auto-battle settings for each character dictate fighting strategy, in addition, utilize the Strategy Advice System for tips during critical moments in battle

Control conversation flow during special event scenes

GRANDIA III is rated "T" for Teen, please visit the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) website, www.esrb.com for more information about ratings. Additional information and impressions on GRANDIA III can be found at http://na.square-enix.com/games/grandia3/. For the official fansite please visit http://www.hangar-g3.com. GRANDIA III is available at North American retailers for a suggested retail price of $49.99 (USD).

About Square Enix Co., Ltd. and Square Enix, Inc.

With headquarters in Tokyo, Japan, Square Enix Co., Ltd. (Square Enix) develops, publishes and distributes entertainment content including interactive entertainment software and publications in Japan, North America, Europe and Asia. Square Enix brings two of Japan's best-selling franchises—FINAL FANTASY®, which has sold over 63 million units worldwide, and DRAGON QUEST™, which has sold over 40 million units worldwide—under one roof. Square Enix is one of the most influential providers of digital entertainment content in the world and continues to push the boundaries of creativity and innovation.

Square Enix, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Square Enix Co., Ltd. with offices in Los Angeles, California and Seattle, Washington. It handles operations in North America, including development, localization, marketing and publishing of Square Enix titles. More information on Square Enix can be found on the Internet at http://www.square-enix.com/na.

DRAGON QUEST, FINAL FANTASY, SQUARE ENIX, and the Square Enix logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Square Enix Co., Ltd. in the United States and/or other countries. GRANDIA is a registered trademark of GAME ARTS Co., Ltd. in the United States and/or other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.